Guide

Christian schools in Central Ohio and how families pay for them

Central Ohio has some of the largest Christian schools in the state, alongside small church academies that chose not to be chartered. That choice decides whether EdChoice can be used.

Last verified: October 2026

Can EdChoice be used at Christian schools in Columbus?

Yes, at the chartered ones. 37 of the 46 Christian schools in our directory are on Ohio's chartered list; 2 appear on the state's non-chartered list, where EdChoice does not apply.

Why are some church schools non-chartered in Ohio?

Ohio lets schools that, because of truly held religious beliefs, choose not to be chartered operate as nonchartered nonpublic schools. They file an annual report with DEW between July 1 and September 30, but their students are not entitled to state transportation or auxiliary services, and they do not enroll EdChoice students.

What other help do Christian school families use?

Congregation-member rates, sibling discounts, school aid and SGOs such as the Ohio Christian Education Network SGO and Northside Christian Scholarship Fund.

Chartered vs non-chartered Christian schools
CharteredNon-chartered (NCNP)
EdChoiceCan enroll scholarship studentsNo
State operating standardsMust complyCertifies minimum standards to parents
State transportationEligibleNot entitled

What is the next step?

Complete the two-minute funding check, and a tuition counselor will confirm which programs your family qualifies for and which dates apply.

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See what your family qualifies for

Two minutes, five questions. A tuition counselor calls you back with the programs and deadlines that fit your child.

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